Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2010, History

Decline paradigms have long dominated the modern historiography of the pre-modern Middle East. In particular, the alleged decadence of the Abbasid caliphate after its loss of military power in the middle of the 10th-century has been seen as an index of the “decline” of Islamic civilization generally. This judgment, however, has usually been taken without much actual reference to the later history of the Abbasids. A thorough examination of the primary sources of medieval Islamic history – Arabic chronicles – reveals a much more nuanced picture of the later Abbasid caliphate. While the caliphs lacked military power during the Buyid and Saljuq eras, they were not mere hostages of the secular powers in the eyes of the chroniclers. A close reading of each chronicler against his political background is necessary to understand this fully, however. The caliphs' authority allowed them to bestow titles upon the rulers that they chose, and sultans were only legitimate when the caliphs had their names recited in the Friday prayer (khutba). The caliphs also exercised practical power, especially with the weakening of the Buyid amirate after 1000 C.E. With the caliph al-Qadir (d. 1030), the caliphs controlled judgeships, intervened in urban politics and led the struggle for religious orthodoxy. They were neither saved nor held hostage by the Saljuq sultan Tughril Beg who arrived in Baghdad in 1055. When the Saljuq sultanate fragmented in the 12th-century, the caliphs re-emerged as regional military leaders. Whereas previous caliphs had held authority but not military power, the caliph al-Muqtafi (d. 1160) united power and authority again through his victories in battle against the Saljuqs. Thus, the story of the later Abbasids is not a simple tale of decline.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2022, Welding Engineering

Stainless steel interlayers for resistance spot welding of a 1.6 mm thick AlSi coated 2000 MPa UTS press hardened boron steel (PHS) and a 2.0 mm thick 6022-T4 aluminum alloy were investigated to improve joint performance. Finite element modeling (FEM) of resistance spot welding was used to determine the interlayer's impact on joint interfacial temperature and weld nugget. Foil and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and interlayer deposition processes were studied for austenitic and ferritic grade stainless steels. CALPHAD-based simulations were also explored to determine the effects of Cr on forming FeAl3 intermetallic compound (IMC). The implementation of stainless steel interlayers significantly improved the mechanical performance of the joint, with the foil 430 interlayers experiencing 6.6 kN of peak force and 1.9 J of fracture energy at peak force. The intermetallic thickness was assessed for each interlayer deposition, with each method experiencing a noticeable reduction in thickness associated with a no interlayer condition. A fracture surface and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was conducted on the intermetallic-rich regions to determine the IMC composition. Also, a joining method involving ultrasonic metal welding (UMW) plus resistance spot welding (RSW) was evaluated for dissimilar metal joining of aluminum to steel. A thin Al insert is first bonded to a steel sheet using a solid-state procedure. With key welding parameters, UMW of 250 µm ferritic and austenitic stainless steel foil interlayers was determined. Higher ultrasonic welding energies are produced over welded joints, while lower energy inputs are produced under welded conditions. The use of interlayers demonstrated higher joule heating and aluminum bonding diameters when characterizing the dynamic sheet-to-sheet contact resistance during resistance spot welding (RSW) compared to no interlayer conditions. Uncommonly, the higher temperatures experienced in the interlayer jo (open full item for complete abstract)

Bachelor of Science of Journalism (BSJ), Ohio University, 2019, Journalism

This thesis tracks former al-Qa`ida affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra's media strategy between 2011 and 2016, applying Dr. Gadi Wolfsfeld's political contest model, and theorization of “news value” therein, to situate this strategy relative to the organization's material and sociopolitical health. More specifically, it attempts to identify “news value” crises arising from territorial losses, lapses in political control, and failures of image management, and account for Jabhat al-Nusra's variable interactions with media personnel in these periods. This project also complicates prevailing notions of a monolithic “post-classical” public relations by demonstrating that Jabhat al-Nusra's media strategy deviates from the allergy to dialogue associated with this tradition. In applying PCM and post-classicism simultaneously, it seeks to investigate the relationship between material power and media power while contesting notions of a homogeneous, mediated Salafi-jihadism, exemplified by the performative brutality of Islamic State. As a corollary, it intends to demonstrate the enduring analytic viability of the political contest model in the wake of new media, suggesting that the so-called media-militant symbiosis has survived Twitter and other disruptive platforms wielded by insurgent and/or terrorist organizations.

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2005, Engineering : Materials Science

In this project, phase transformations and precipitation behavior of Al-Cu nanoparticles were first studied. The nanoparticles were synthesized by a Plasma Ablation process and found to contain a 2∼5 nm thick adherent aluminum oxide scale, which prevented further oxidation. On aging, a precipitation sequence consisting of, nearly pure Cu precipitates to the metastable θ′ to equilibrium θ was observed. The structure of θ′ and its interface with the Al matrix has been characterized. Ultrafine Al-Cu nanoparticles (5∼25 nm) were also synthesized by inert gas condensation and their aging behavior was studied. These particles were found to be quite stable against precipitation. Secondly, pure Al nanoparticles were prepared by the Exploding Wire process and their sintering and consolidation behavior were studied. It was found that Al nanopowders could be processed to bulk structures with high hardness and density. Sintering temperature was found to have a dominant effect on density, hardness and microstructure. Sintering at temperatures >600 degree C led to breakup of the oxide scale, leading to an interesting nanocomposite composed of 100∼200 nm Al oxide dispersed in a bimodal nanometer-micrometer size Al matrix grains. And the randomly dispersed oxide fragments were quite effective in pinning the Al grain boundaries, preventing excessive grain growth and retaining high hardness. Cold rolling and hot rolling were effective methods for attaining full densification and high hardness. Thirdly, the microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of Al-Al2O3 nanocomposites were studied. The composites can retain high strength at elevated temperature and thermal soaking has practically no detrimental effect on strength. Although the ductility of the composite remains quite low, there was substantial evidence for high localized plasticity. The strengthening mechanisms of the composite include: Orowan strengthening, grain size strengthening and forest strengthening. Finally, (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts (MA), Wright State University, 2019, History

United States foreign policies on Iran and Iraq, during the later Cold War period, led to devastating consequences to Iraqi Kurdish aspirations for autonomy and a separate nation-state. By employing the Shah of Iran as one pillar of America's proxy in the Persian Gulf, and after the Iranian Revolution, to then begin collaborating with Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War, U.S. policies marginalized and negatively impacted Iraqi Kurds' goal of independence.

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2019, Mechanical Engineering

Experimental study accomplished the characterization of fatigue crack growth rates and mechanisms in both hand and die forged Aluminum 7085-T7452. Testing was conducted at various positive and negative loading ratios, primarily focused on L-S and T-S orientations to discover a correlation between crack tip branching or turning mechanisms and stress intensity. Interior delaminations were found to originate in the interior of the specimen and propagate outward to the surface and manifested as splitting cracks parallel to the loading direction. Stress intensity ranges have been correlated with the onset of crack deviation from the primary crack plane, as well as, the transition to branching dominated fatigue crack growth.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2019, Materials Science and Engineering

Metal-rich primers have been used for corrosion protection on metals for over 40 years. Recently, researchers started to investigate the use of metal-rich primers on aluminum alloys as an alternative to hexavalent-chromate systems because of their good corrosion-protective properties. The active aluminum-rich primer (AlRP) was invented and developed at NAVAIR (Patuxent River, MD) to protect aluminum alloys and steels. The Al alloy (Al-Zn-In) pigments in AlRP were fabricated from a sacrificial anode alloy, which has a lower open circuit potential (OCP) than common aluminum alloys. However, initial results indicated that the pigment particles in AlRP tended to undergo severe self-corrosion. Therefore, the Al pigments are pretreated in a trivalent chromium passivation (TCP) bath to reduce the self-corrosion rate. The objectives of this study are to understand the corrosion protection properties of AlRP on aluminum alloy 2024-T3 substrate and to evaluate the effect of TCP treatment on the Al pigment particles. The polarization curves of AA2024-T3 and the active aluminum alloy (Al-Zn-In) show that TCP-treated active aluminum alloy has a lower corrosion potential than AA2024-T3 and thus would cathodically protect it. AlRP-coated samples were exposed in accelerated exposure tests, GMW14872 and B117. Exposed samples were then examined using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to understand the coating degradation process. In addition, samples were immersed in 0.1M NaCl solution for an extended time and were monitored using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The AlRP with TCP-treated pigments out performs the coating with untreated pigments. The TCP treatment on the Al-Zn-In pigments was evaluated. The chemistry and morphology of Al pigment particles treated in a TCP bath for three different immersion times were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and ener (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2018, Materials Science and Engineering

Third generation Al-Cu-Li alloys have improved localized corrosion resistance compared to previous generations and are attractive to the aerospace industry because of the mix of low density and good mechanical properties. Al-Cu-Li alloy AA2099 (Al 2.7Cu 1.8Li 0.6Zn 0.3Mg 0.3Mn 0.08Zr) is a newer precipitation-strengthened alloy with a cleaner microstructure that contributes to increased corrosion resistance. However, there is still a susceptibility for intergranular and inter-subgranular (IGC/IsGC). Because localized corrosion associated with coarse constituent particles is diminished due to alloy cleanliness, intergranular forms of attack are a larger factor in the corrosion profile of this alloy. The susceptibility to localized corrosion in AA2099 was characterized based on the attack morphology after exposure to various NaCl aqueous solutions. Alloy samples were subjected to a series of artificial heat treatments conducted at temperatures ranging from 120°C to 180°C for times ranging from 12 to 168 hours, corresponding to time and temperature ranges that are commensurate with commercial practice. The resulting microstructures were analyzed using scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron back-scattering, and diffraction methods, which characterized the precipitates formed during artificial aging. The formation of the strengthening phase T1 (Al2CuLi) was of particular interest due to its reported anodic behavior relative to the alloy matrix. This particle is prone to corrosion attack and plays a significant role in the evolution of localized corrosion mode and morphology depending on its location within the alloy. The results from the exposure experiments provided a map for the various heat treatments to identify when IsGC susceptibility will occur. Results showed that AA2099 went through several attack categories as samples were aged to under-aged (UA), peak-aged (PA), and over-aged (OA) conditions. The morphology in the cross section progre (open full item for complete abstract)

PHD, Kent State University, 2018, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of English

This dissertation is a postcolonial study of selected writings of the Palestinian intellectual, journalist, political activist, and author, Ghassan Kanafani. Using postcolonial theory to create a single framework for the study of selected writings of Kanafani, this dissertation will also contribute to the analysis of the postcolonial Palestinian novel. This study hopes to achieve these goals by investigating the ways in which Kanafani's literary works can serve as means to explore the importance that Palestinians attach to the history of their struggle for freedom and cultural preservation. It is within this postcolonial context that Men in the Sun (1963), All That's Left to You (1966), and Palestine's Children: Returning to Haifa and Other Stories (1969) will be discussed in this dissertation. The novellas and short stories are prime examples of traumatic experiences that Palestinian refugees faced during Kanafani's lifetime. The writings reflect Kanafani's understanding of the permanent exile, fear, isolation, loneliness, and despair that he and many Palestinians experienced during major parts of the twentieth century as results of Zionist occupation of Palestine. Kanafani's realistic depictions of these harsh situations are key factors that make his works ideal for postcolonialist analysis.

Master of Arts, University of Toledo, 2015, History

This thesis investigates the interaction between Egyptian Marxists and the Egyptian State under Gamal Abd Al-Nasser from 1952 to 1965. After the Free Officer coup of July, 1952, the new government launched a period of repression that targeted many political organizations, including the communists. Repression against the communists was interrupted during a brief interlude from mid-1956 until the end of 1958, when Nasser launched a second period of repression heavily aimed at the communist left. Utilizing quantitative data of the communist prisoner population as well as qualitative first-hand accounts from imprisoned communists, this thesis reconstructs the conditions, demographics, and class status of the communists targeted by the repressive apparatus of the Egyptian state. It also explores the subjective response of the Egyptian communists and their ideological shifts vis-a-vis changing material and repressive conditions. It argues that a combination of state-capitalist reforms, intense state repression, pragmatic influence of the Soviet Union, capitulation to a hegemonic nationalist discourse, and imperialist threat converged to direct Egyptian communist thought. In the end, the Marxist movement was incapable of acting as the vanguard of the Egyptian revolution.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2013, Art

Abstract Using religion to achieve political power is a thematic subject used by a number of Egyptian playwrights. This dissertation documents and analyzes eleven plays by five prominent Egyptian playwrights: Tawfiq Al-Hakim (1898- 1987), Ali Ahmed Bakathir (1910- 1969), Samir Sarhan (1938- 2006), Mohamed Abu El Ela Al-Salamouni (1941- ), and Mohamed Salmawi (1945- ). Through their plays they call attention to the dangers of blind obedience. The primary methodological approach will be a close literary analysis grounded in historical considerations underscored by a chronology of Egyptian leadership. Thus the interface of religious conflict and politics is linked to the four heads of government under which the playwrights wrote their works: the eras of King Farouk I (1920-1965), President Gamal Abdel Nasser (1918-1970), President Anwar Sadat (1918-1981), and President Hosni Mubarak (1928- ). While this study ends with Mubarak’s regime, it briefly considers the way in which such conflict ended in the recent reunion between religion and politics with the election of Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, as president following the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. This research also investigates how these scripts were written— particularly in terms of their adaptation from existing canonical work or historical events and the use of metaphor—and how they were staged. The staging of these works highlights the problems faced by Egyptian directors interested in this inherently political work as they faced censorship issues. Only a few of the scripts have English translations, the rest are only available in Arabic. When a published English translation is unavailable, I have provided English translations of key selections from the texts with the original Arabic in the appendix.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2011, Materials Science and Engineering

The Ni-rich corner of the 1200 °C isothermal sections of both the Ni-Al-Cr and Ni-Al-Mo ternary phase diagrams were obtained using diffusion multiples together with SEM imaging and electro-probe microanalysis (EPMA). In the Ni-Al-Cr system, composition regions of both the Cr-based bcc phase and the β-NiAl phase were observed to be very different from those reported in the literature. For instance, the bcc phase was found to have ~ 26 at% Ni solubility, more than double what has been previously reported in the literature and more consistent with the binary Ni-Cr phase diagram. In the Ni-Al-Mo system a new phase was discovered. This phase, Ni5Al2Mo8, exists in what appears to be a near stoichiometric composition. Its structure is yet to be determined. Reliable phase equilibrium information useful for superalloy development, especially the phase boundary between the fcc (γ) phase and the L12 (γ') phase was obtained for both ternary systems.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2003, Materials Science and Engineering

Jelly-roll type Nb-Al multifilamentary wires were rapidly heated to temperatures above 1800°C followed by quenching to room temperature, using experimental setups designed and built for this purpose. The ductile Nb-Al bcc solid solution retained by quenching is transformed by an 800°C/10h transformation heat treatment to superconducting Nb3Al of A15 structure. In the range of compositions investigated (23.5 to 35.0at% Al) the bcc phase was found to form by an endothermic reaction taking place during rapid heating. Optimal critical current densities (at 4.2K in magnetic fields exceeding 15T) were obtained for samples heated to maximum temperatures in a range of less than 200°C above the bcc formation reaction. At higher temperatures the bcc solid solution starts to melt, leading to inhomogeneity that degrades the critical current density. Samples quenched from fully liquid state exhibit large pores that can reduce the critical current density. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy on samples quenched from temperatures above and below the bcc formation temperature showed that at 23.5at% Al, an A15 structure Nb3Al formed in the earlier stages of the rapid heating massively transforms to bcc solid solution. A massive transformation is also found at 35.0at% Al, sigma-type Nb2Al converting to bcc solid solution. At 27.5at% Al, Nb3Al reacts eutectoidally with Nb2Al to form bcc solid solution. All these transformations were found reversible and heating rate independent. The bcc solid solution formation and the extended Al solubility reported could not be explained based on published Nb-Al equilibrium phase diagrams so it is concluded that none of them is correct and a revised phase diagram is proposed. All superconducting properties improved with increase in the initial heating rate associated with the transformation heat treatments. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that at low heating rates the spacing between certain pla (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts, Miami University, 2011, History

This thesis examines the ninth-century Baghdadi scholar al-Tabari and his narrative representation of the three civil war caliphs of the Umayyad era (661-750 CE). It explores this important early Muslim historian's methodological approach to writing narrative history as a way of understanding his own religio-political world rather than a factual recounting. It argues that al-Tabari's narrative discussion of the first and last Umayyad civil war caliphs differ from that of the second. This study reveals that al-Tabari was less concerned with generating caliphal histories as he was with pointing out the lack of stability within the Islamic Empire and associating that instability with the reigning caliph of the time. This study contributes to a more systemized model of source analysis by which modern scholars fruitfully use the historiography of early Arabic/Islamic sources.

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2025, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology

Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD), the self-perceived decline in cognitive abilities, is recognized as a preclinical marker for neurocognitive disorders (Jessen et al., 2014). Understanding the contextual factors informing SCD experience remains a research priority in this domain. At-risk older adults have heritable markers associated with dementia. Chronic exposure to embedded ageism burdens allostatic load (AL) and exacerbates epigenetic risk for cognitive decline (Levy, 2022; McEwen, 2020; Miller et al., 2021). The current qualitative study explored how ageism shapes the lived experience of SCD among at-risk older adults. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants, all doctoral level clinical practitioners, aged 60 to 79 and analyzed using thematic analysis, guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (TMSC). Findings revealed that ageism pervades three ecological domains—intrapersonal, interpersonal, and systemic—¬contributing to emotional distress, behavioral restriction, and reduced healthcare engagement. The present study extends the current literature on this topic by identifying ageism as a socio-cultural determinant of perceived cognitive health, shaping the outcome trajectory. The findings underscore the need to address ageism through clinical interventions and systemic reforms. Such strategies to reduce AL burden, through reduction of stigma and promotion of preventive healthcare engagement, may delay or even prevent onset of dementia among at-risk older adults. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and Ohio LINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Master of Arts (MA), Wright State University, 2024, International and Comparative Politics

India's compliance to the United States' regional ambitions following the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan demonstrated a unique re-alignment that reversed India's historic defiance of international powers pursued since its independence. Instead of resisting the United States or seeking to disengage from the Afghan conflict, India provided aid to the new regime but did not extend military assistance because of limits set by the United States to appease Pakistan. India complied and increased cooperation with the United States despite the disadvantages this compliance presented. It will be argued that the structure of the international system enforcing US hegemony primarily influenced India's compliant Afghanistan policy from 2001 to 2016. First, as determined by the neoclassical model of a nation's foreign policy reacting to its relative place to the international structure, Indian foreign policy makers incrementally increased independent Afghanistan policies when US foreign policy indicated the desire to disengage from Afghanistan. Secondly, the United States increased military and nuclear cooperation with India that directly increased conventional capabilities with minimal conditions, enacting a historic model that previously encouraged India to increase compliance to international powers.

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Arts and Sciences: Chemistry

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hold immense promise in various technological applications, yet their efficacy has been hindered by challenges in establishing robust connections with metal surfaces. This study explores novel methods to address this limitation and enhance the electrical conductivity of CNT-metal interfaces. The resultant CNT-metal hybrid consists of strong bonding in between CNTs, and metal has been investigated in various applications such as sensors and energy storage devices. Covalent bond formation between open-ended CNTs and Cu surfaces is explored experimentally and theoretically. Vertical orientation of CNTs relative to the substrate, coupled with carboxylic functional groups on CNTs reacting with aminophenyl linkers on metal surfaces, facilitates amide bond formation at low temperatures. Theoretical analysis reveals bridge-like bond formations between carbon and adjacent Cu atoms, supporting the observed electrical conductivity enhancement. The robustness of covalent bonding is demonstrated through sonication tests. Due to the appealing nature of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in applications, the investigation extended on CNT films bonded to metal surfaces. Utilizing aligned CNT films, chemically covalent bonds are established between CNTs and various metal surfaces, including Cu, stainless steel, Au, indium tin oxide, and Al. Characterization techniques confirm the formation of robust bonds, with scanning electron microscopy validating their stability post-ultrasonication. Enhanced electrode performance suggests potential applications in sensor technology. Further, CNT bonded to metal electrodes were investigated in energy storage applications. Innovative fabrication of CNT-metal electrodes is achieved by forming chemical bonds between vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) and Au metal surfaces using linker molecules. Covalent bonds between CNTs and diazonium-based linker molecules on the Au surface result in highly conductive interfa (open full item for complete abstract)

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Engineering and Applied Science: Materials Science

The pursuance of innovative materials has resulted in the development of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) that contain precipitate-reinforcing phases, which are referred to as high-entropy superalloys (HESAs). The primary goal of this investigation is to provide a thorough comprehension of the impact of the nickel:cobalt ratio on the microstructure and morphological changes of precipitate phases, as well as its impact on creep resistance. This required the development of six distinct alloys with varied Ni and Co contents. Initially, the CALPHAD methodology was employed to investigate the phases present in these alloys by plotting the phase diagrams. The resulting data were subsequently compared to the experimental results. Vacuum arc melting (VAM) was employed to fabricate these alloys in the experimental phase. Cast alloys were subjected to heat treatment at 850°C from their homogenized state with varying aging periods in the range of 0 to 720 hours. The alloys were characterized and the gamma (?) and gamma prime (?') phase structures were examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Vickers microhardness experiments were implemented to assess the alloys' mechanical properties in both their as-cast and aged states. Compressive creep experiments were conducted at 850°C with varying stresses and the specimens were deformed up to 10% strain. The collection of creep data and the creation of Norton plots were conducted. The presence of ? and ?' phases, as predicted by PANDAT, was confirmed for all alloys by imaging via SEM in back-scattered mode, contingent upon the Ni: Co ratio. The FCC matrix phase is verified through XRD, and the ?' phase is verified through TEM electron diffraction patterns. The partitioning behavior of the elements into various phases was observed using EDS in both SEM and TEM. By increasi (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2024, Mechanical Engineering

Processing-related defects such as porosity, residual stress, and surface roughness are the primary impediments to the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing in high-performance aerospace structures, primarily in applications where fatigue is an area of concern. Strengthening the surface through an emerging surface treatment approach has the potential to mitigate these defects and subsequently improve the surface quality, as well as increase the fatigue strength of the additively manufactured components. The core objective of this research work was to employ a severe surface plastic deformation (SSPD) process to improve the surface and fatigue properties of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloys with a particular emphasis on directed energy deposition (DED) re-paired and fully produced electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF), via combination of laser heating (LA) and ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM). Laser heating plus ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification is an innovative mechanical sur-face treatment tool, and it has been demonstrated as an interesting laser-based mechanical surface treatment technology to induce thicker deformation layer on the surface using low energy input, impact load, low amplitude, and high ultrasonic frequency, leading to enhancement of the microstructure features, surface strength, and resultant mechanical properties of metallic materials. Physical and mechanical characteristics changes in target materials were investigated using optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), profilometry, and a hardness tester. The results revealed that the proper thermal and impact energies of the applied surface treatment was effective in inducing higher plasticity flow and promoted greater surface grain refinement. Strengthening of metallic alloys through grain refinement is evidenced by achieving maximum strength, a phenomenon referred to as the Hall-Perch principle. In particular, the s (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2023, Mass Communication (Communication)

This research investigated the audience's viewpoint of Al-Jazeera's Opposite Direction talk show and sought to establish a practical framework for how mass media can uphold their agenda-setting and framing power while disseminating critical, unbiased, resistant-to-state-dominance, and methodical discourse in the Middle East. This region lacks freedom of speech in its media landscape. Respondents (n = 104) completed an online survey to gather their perspectives about the program. Pearson's correlation coefficients and linear regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Based on the findings, the researcher found that from the perspectives of participants, the talk show was successful in setting the agenda and framing perspective due to its critical content, level of freedom, professionalism of the host, context of discussions, and using familiar and popular terms during discussions. These key concepts were statistically significant in contributing to the program's popularity and influence. The concepts identified offer a practical framework for maintaining mass media's power of agenda-setting and shaping perspectives, particularly in the current era of media fragmentation in the Middle East.